Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's official visit to the United States is a good opportunity for us to reflect upon the mutually beneficial and trusted relationship that both nations have enjoyed for 50 years ("Singapore a solid-rock partner: Obama"; Wednesday).

Singapore and the United States have been close partners in areas such as defence, trade and research and development.

The presence of more than 3,700 US companies here and large inflows of foreign direct investment from the US are a testament to the confidence American business leaders have in the safe and stable environment offered by Singapore.

These investments have brought much prosperity to Singaporeans, through job opportunities and the transfer of knowledge and technology.

Our longstanding defence relations have contributed to the strengthening of the Singapore Armed Forces.

In recent years, our cooperation has deepened further, with more joint exercises and the sharing of best practices to handle emerging concerns such as cyber security and terrorism.

Singapore has long supported the US presence in the Asia-Pacific as a stabilising force that has enabled the region's economic growth.

As both leaders reiterated, adhering to international law and diplomatic processes is crucial in minimising tensions and protecting freedom of navigation.

As a tiny, maritime and trade-dependent nation, Singapore can thrive only if all nations, big and small, play by the same rules.

Going forward, Singapore and the US have many opportunities to further build upon an already strong and dynamic relationship.

Dhevarajan Devadas